Camelia

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiosperms

Family

Theaceae

Order

Ericales

Genus

Camellia

Species

japonica

Description

Camellia japonica comprises numerous cultivars and has also given rise to many hybrids. With its elegant spring flowering, it differs from the sasanqua species which flowers in the autumn-winter period. It belongs to the group of so-called 'acidophilic' species that require soils or substrates with an acidic pH, with optimum values between 5.0 and 5.5, in order to express the best vegetative development followed by a luxuriant flowering that will bring a distinctive ornamental accent to outdoor spaces such as flower beds, gardens and terraces.

Variety description

The camellia japonica is an ornamental plant that can develop as a shrub, or reach tree size. In historic gardens there are hedges consisting entirely of camellia. It has numerous varieties and hybrids, as well as countless flower types and colours. The leaf morphology is also very variable in the different varieties and hybrids. The camellia japonica has simple flowers and shiny green, leathery leaves. It grows well in acidic soils with a good supply of organic matter. It can also be grown in pots and planters and on terraces.

Curiosities and special features

The introduction of Camellia japonica into Europe occurred around the mid-1700s. The story goes that a group of European merchants travelled to China, where they got to know and enjoy the local tea, a beverage made from an infusion of the leaves of an unknown plant from which they succeeded, or rather believed they succeeded, in having some specimens delivered to the local population. However, when they arrived in Europe, more precisely in England, they realised that the plants began to produce marvellous blossoms, but it was a different species from the one used for making tea, as it had leaves without aroma; they were in fact seedlings of Camellia japonica and not Camellia sinensis, the tea plant.

In addition to its value as an ornamental plant, the flowers and seeds of Camellia japonica are used in cosmetics.

Origin and distribution

Botanical species native to the geographic range including China (Shandong, eastern Zhejiang), Korea (Jeju-do), central and southern Japan to Taiwan.

Flower size

The flower is medium in size, lending refinement to the lush spring bloom.

Leaf

The leathery leaf blade is elliptical with a slightly acuminate apex.

Flowering period

It flowers from early spring to late spring for a duration of 20 to 50 days.

Leaf colour

Homogeneous colouring, usually dark intense green and glossy on the upper page and lighter on the lower page.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.7 to 5 m, depending on the growing conditions.

Lifespan

Shrub, or under certain cultural and environmental conditions tree, polyennial evergreen.

Where to plant

Versatile in its use, it is suitable for adding elegance and uniqueness to outdoor spaces such as flowerbeds, large flowerbeds and street roundabouts, large pots, hedges, gardens and parks, rock gardens, terraces, outdoor tubs

Stem

The stem is woody with smooth bark.

Flower

The flower has a simple, medium-sized form with a star-shaped corolla. It flowers from early spring to late spring, with a flowering period of between 20 and 50 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

It develops an upright habitus, also suitable for creating evergreen hedges.

Branching

The branching is on the whole average, with a proportionate ratio of foliage to flowers.

PH

It requires an acidic soil or potting soil pH, with optimum values between 4.5 and 5.5. As it is an acidophilic species it is advisable to check the pH value and, if unsuitable, to add peat soil or peat directly to lower it.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in early spring or late autumn, provide a suitable size of the planting hole, proportionate to the development of the roots; remove weeds and bulky pebbles and prepare the soil by introducing some peat, to ensure the correct pH level required by Camellia japonica.

Sun exposure

Requires exposure in half-shade or semi-shade to avoid excessive sunlight and potential leaf yellowing.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 10 and 25 °C for optimal vegetative growth; it prefers a cool climate.

Use

Widely appreciated and cultivated as a plant in:

Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

A moderately hardy plant, care should be taken in the type of soil, which is necessarily acidic, and in the exposure as it does not like direct sun, except for the early morning hours, due to problems that may mainly concern leaf burns and flower bud drop-out.

Soil

It requires acidic, fertile, well-draining soil with a good supply of organic matter. For use in pots and tubs, choose a specific soil for acidophilic plants such as azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons and hydrangeas.

Difficulty

By ensuring the correct pH and exposure, cultivation is easy with a medium level of management effort.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation guidelines for best growth and flowering results:

Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Prefers slightly calcareous water

Combinations with other plants

The combinations between different varieties of the same japonica species or with other acidophilic plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons are scenic and of great scenic value.

Planting

Transplant according to the development of the plant; use pots that are not too large and space them out if grown in open ground. It is advisable to use mulch to be spread on the soil surface to maintain a constant humidity and protect the roots from summer heat. Apply an average planting density of 1 plant per square metre in relation to the developed habit and size reached.

Pruning

The purpose of pruning is to form the plant and keep the volume suitable for future planting. Prune, using clean, well-sharpened shears, the most developed apical parts and maintain a compact volume. Also remove any dry branches and wilted flowers.

Propagation

The propagation methods to which the camellia is best adapted are by cuttings, apical or node cuttings, and by grafting. Seed requires scarifying in some cases, or at least long germination periods.

Watering

Not a particularly water-hungry plant, it is, however, sensitive to prolonged periods of drought, especially in the days before flowering, which can lead to the flower buds drooping. Carry out constant watering in moderate doses, keeping the soil slightly moist but free of waterlogging. Pay attention to the water quality as Camellia japonica requires slightly limey water with an optimal acidic pH.

Fertilising

Plant requiring fertilisation both in soil and in pots. After proper establishment in the new planting site, fertilise periodically from spring to autumn with irrigation to follow using a specific fertiliser for acidophilic ornamental species.

Edibility for humans

There are no known uses for parts of Camellia japonica for edible use.

Tip

Acidophilous plant but also quite hardy, i.e. very tolerant of various soil and temperature conditions. Although it is an acidophile plant, it can also acclimatise to clay soil rich in organic matter, using the appropriate fertilisation. Water and fertilise regularly and in moderation.